ANIMAL CONTROL will be taken over in Garden Grove by the city, effective Jan, 1, 2017 (Flickr/Sasha)

The City of Garden Grove will launch its new Garden Grove Animal Care Services program on Jan. 1, 2017. The new program replaces services provided by Orange County Animal Care.

Garden Grove’s newest program involves a partnership between the city and the Orange County Humane Society. All animal field services and dog licensing will be provided by Garden Grove Animal Care Services, a division within the city’s Public Works Department. Animal shelter services will be provided by the Orange County Humane Society.

The city council unanimously approved creation of this new program on April 26, which is expected to save the city about $9 million over the span of 10 years. The switch was prompted by the projected expense charged to cities to pay for the county’s planned new animal shelter.

For 2017, the city will honor all animal registration fees paid to OC Animal Care in 2016. When the license issued by OC Animal Care expires, the City will mail out a notice and issue a new tag with a Garden Grove specific number. All licenses for pets will need to be renewed online or through the mail.

All dogs over four months of age, kept in Garden Grove, must be licensed and have a current rabies vaccination. Dogs are required to wear a license tag at all times, attached to a collar or harness. Garden Grove Animal Care Services will pick up stray dogs from the streets and give them provisional shelter.

To contact Garden Grove Animal Care Services call (714) 741-5565 or send an email to animalcare@garden-grove.org. For more information on the new program, services, and fees go to www.garden-grove.org/animalcare.